Annual General Membership Meeting + International Achievement & International Hall of Fame Awards

December 4, 2024

 

The 1st World Trade Center Miami Annual Membership Meeting was an exciting and impactful event that showcased the vibrant future of global trade. WTCM President & CEO Ivan Barrios and COO Alice Ancona reflected on the organization’s growth, achievements, and shared exciting plans for 2025, which include new trade shows and initiatives to stimulate global business opportunities. The meeting featured insightful presentations from global trade experts, including Ken Roberts, founder of WorldCity, who spoke on the “Impact of Tariffs on Three South Florida Ports,” and John Price, Managing Director of Americas Market Intelligence, who shared his expertise on “International Trade Disruptions Ahead for South Florida’s Gateway Economy.”

The event also marked the leadership transition, with WTCM honoring outgoing Board Chair Manuel Mencia and welcoming incoming Chair Gary Goldfarb for 2025-2027. It was a dynamic and engaging start to a year of exciting international trade programs and opportunities for WTCM members and the broader business community.

The WTCM’s International Achievement & International Hall of Fame Awards ceremony celebrated exceptional individuals that have made transformative contributions to international trade. This prestigious event, held at the Hyatt Regency Coral Gables, honored:

–Grisel Vega, General Manager of Banco de Crédito y Inversiones (Bci) Miami, recipient of the International Achievement Award.

–Ambassador Chuck Cobb, Ambassador Sue Cobb, and Dr. Eduardo Padrón, each awarded the International Hall of Fame Award.

The event was a highlight for South Florida’s business community, uniting leaders to celebrate these visionary honorees who have helped shape the region’s global business landscape. Their efforts continue to inspire and elevate the impact of international trade in our community and beyond.

Special Thanks to All Our 2024 Sponsors!

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2024 Event Photo Gallery 

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Ivan Barrios - President and CEO

Ivan Barrios

President & CEO

Ivan Barrios is the President/CEO of the World Trade Center Miami. Ivan has served in this role since January 2020.

He most recently worked as Vice President for International Trade Development & TEAM Florida missions at Enterprise Florida, Inc., the state of Florida’s official economic development agency. He managed a statewide team of trade specialists that assisted Florida companies to export their products and services overseas.

Ivan has organized 28 Governor led trade missions to 22 countries from 1999–2015 for three governors. Special projects included 3,000 one-on-one business matchmaking appointments for exporters, managing two hemispheric trade shows, producing and publishing five Florida International Trade and Services Directories, coordinating the activities of the Florida International Bankers Association and creating the Florida Trade Data Center, a first of its kind information hub for Florida exporters.

Ivan holds a position on the Board of Directors of the World Trade Centers Association, where he represents the North American region. His extensive experience includes serving as a board member for the South Florida District Export Council and the Miami-Dade County International Trade Consortium. Ivan is an alumnus of the University of Miami, where he earned his degree in Business Administration.

Alice Ancona

Chief Operating Officer
Alice Ancona has held this role since January 2020.  She is charged with boosting organizational resilience and value creation of the operations, events, strategic programing, marketing and trade shows of the World Trade Center Miami (WTCM). With over two decades of experience, she brings a wealth of expertise to her position. In addition, she is charged with creating and executing international trade programs, trade missions, economic development initiatives, advocacy efforts, and innovative revenue-generating solutions as well as providing strategic long-term planning for the organization.
Before joining WTCM, Ms. Ancona led the international endeavors of the Florida Chamber of Commerce, serving as a prominent advocate for policies that enhance international trade, logistics, and investments. Her efforts centered on removing trade barriers, expanding market access, facilitating exports, negotiating trade agreements, and strengthening Florida’s trade infrastructure. Ms. Ancona played a pivotal role in connecting Florida to the global trade arena, facilitating relationships with international stakeholders, foreign agencies, elected officials, member companies, and governmental bodies at the state and federal levels.
Prior to her work at the Florida Chamber, Ms. Ancona spearheaded the governmental affairs division at the Greater Miami Chamber of Commerce. In this capacity, she directed policy agendas on a diverse range of issues, including trade, infrastructure investment, transportation, and workforce development. Her accomplishments include leading successful campaigns for the passage of crucial trade agreements, such as the Colombia FTA, DR-CAFTA, Panama FTA, Chile FTA, and KORUS. She also contributed to efforts to secure the Free Trade Areas of the Americas.
Ms. Ancona’s contributions extend beyond her professional roles.  She is a recognized thought leader and speaker at industry conferences, providing insights on global market dynamics, trade policy, and cross-border strategies. She has actively participated in various steering committees for Florida’s transportation planning initiatives and has been an active member of the Florida International Trade Partnership. Her involvement also includes serving on the Board of the Miami Dade County International Trade Consortium. Her dedication and achievements have earned her recognition, including the 2014 International Women’s Day Award from World Trade Center Miami, the 2015 Person of the Year designation by the Florida Customs Brokers & Forwarders Association, Inc., and the 2016 Women of Distinction Award from the Lauderhill Regional Chamber of Commerce.